Ex-UM RB Sam McGuffie makes U.S. bobsled team

Sam McGuffie, a former Michigan running back, was named Monday to the United States Bobsled National team as he tries to earn a spot on the roster for the 2018 Games in South Korea.

McGuffie made the 23-man roster in his rookie season of bobsledding, as did two other foootball players: former Virginia running back Hakeem Abdul-Saboor and former Oklahoma State receiver Nathan Gilsleider.

"To represent my country is huge," McGuffie told Fox26 in Houston. "Always wanted to represent my country in a sport."

But who would've thought it'd be bobsled?

McGuffie was a blue-chip signing in then-Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez's first year on the job.

But McGuffie played just one season at Michigan, 2008, before transferring to Rice in his home state of Texas. McGuffie wanted to be closer to home, and Michigan was concerned after he suffered multiple concussions.

In his one year at Michigan, he led the team in rushing attempts, with 118, and finished with 486 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught a TD pass.

At Rice, he sat out from football in 2009 per NCAA transfer rules, but competed in track and field in the interim.

tpaul@detroitnews.com

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